Flippin to Retire from Kingsdown

MEBANE, N.C.-Pat Flippin, president, chief operating officer and member of the board of directors of Kingsdown, will retire from these positions on Jan. 3, 2011.

Flippin began his career with the mattress manufacturer in 1986 as plant manager of the company's facility here. Prior to becoming president, Flippin was vice president of manufacturing. He has also served as a past chairman of the International Sleep Products Association.

A company statement credited Flippin with developing patents for Kingsdown's construction techniques. Eric Hinshaw, Kingsdown's chairman and chief executive officer, noted that during Flippin's tenure, the company grew from a regional mattress producer to an international supplier of sleep products, with operations and licensees around the world.